Patent Application
20250043986
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2023-0100843 filed in Korea on Aug. 2, 2023, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.
An indoor unit for an air conditioner is disclosed herein.
In general, an air conditioner is an apparatus that cools or heats an interior space using a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerant that includes of a compressor, a 4-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser or evaporator), an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator or condenser) to make a more pleasant indoor environment for users. A dust sensor is a sensor that measures a density of dust in the air. A dust sensor may be mounted on an indoor unit, which is disposed in the interior space to generate airflow in the interior space, and may measure the density of dust in the interior space.
A ceiling-type indoor unit has been disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2023-0035940, which is hereby incorporated by reference. According to common ceiling-type indoor units, a case is embedded inside of a ceiling surface and only a bottom panel having an intake hole and a discharge hole is exposed to an interior space. Recently, ceiling-type indoor units that are exposed to an interior space without a case embedded inside of a ceiling surface have also been frequently used.
In ceiling-type indoor units, an intake hole and a discharge hole are formed adjacent to each other on a bottom panel. Accordingly, a phenomenon in which air discharged from a discharge hole flows back into an intake hole may occur, and accordingly, there may be a problem in that the amount of dust contained in the air is not accurately sensed.
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Embodiments are described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to the disclosed embodiments and may be modified in various ways.
Terms “module” and “unit” that are used for components in the following description are used only for the convenience of description without having specifically important meanings or functions. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “unit” may be used in combination.
Further, in the specification, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited to the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish a component from other components.
Spatial relative terms “below”, “beneath”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, etc. may be used to easily describe the correlation of one component and another component, as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms should be construed as terminologies including different directions of components in using or in operating in addition to the directions shown in drawings. For example, when components shown in the drawings are turned upside down, a component described as being “below” or “beneath” another component may be positioned “over” another component. Accordingly, “below” and “beneath” that are exemplary terms may include both of up and down directions. A component may be oriented in different directions, so the spatially relative terms may be construed in accordance with orientation.
The terms used herein are provided to describe embodiments without limiting the embodiments. In the specification, a singular form includes a plural form unless specifically stated in the sentences. The terms “comprise” and/or “comprising” used herein do not exclude that another component, step, and/or operation exist or are added to the stated component, step, and/or operation.
An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to this embodiment is a ceiling-type air conditioner that is installed in a ceiling of an interior space. The indoor unit for an air conditioner according to this embodiment is disposed at an upper portion in an interior space and may discharge heat-exchanged air downward.
Referring to
The case 10a may form an external appearance of the ceiling-type indoor unit 1a and may accommodate many parts or components therein. The case 10a may have a cylindrical shape, for example, that is open on the bottom and forms a space therein.
The case 10 may include an inner case (not shown) that forms a space, in which a heat exchanger (not shown), and a blower fan (not shown), for example, are disposed, and an outer case disposed outside of the inner case and forming an outer circumferential surface. The inner case and the outer case may be connected into one configuration or may be formed as a combination of a plurality of configurations.
The outer case may be disposed outside of the inner case. The outer case may include a circumferential surface disposed outside in a radial direction of the indoor unit. The outer case may be formed in a shape a cross-sectional area of which increases toward a side. The outer case may include a portion a cross-sectional area of which increases as it extends downward from above and a portion a cross-sectional area of which is maintained or decreased as it extends downward from above.
The outer case according to this embodiment may be exposed to the outside when the indoor unit is mounted in an interior space. Accordingly, when the indoor unit is operated and air flows in an interior space, air may flow downward from above along the circumferential surface of the outer case around the outer case.
A dust sensor module 100 may be mounted in a predetermined region ca1 on a side of the outer case. A cover assembly (see 50 in
The cover assembly 50 may be combined with the case 10a. More specifically, the case 10a may include the cover assembly 50, and the cover assembly 50 may be formed as a part or portion of the case 10a. For example, the case 10a may be configured by combining another cover assembly on which the dust sensor module 100 has not been installed, and the cover assembly 50 on which the dust sensor module 100 has been installed, whereby it is possible to form an integrated external appearance.
The front panel 16 may be disposed at the open bottom of the case 10. A plurality of intake holes 16a through which air flows into the indoor unit may be formed on the front panel 16. A filter (not shown) that filters out foreign substances, such as dirt, in the air that is suctioned may be disposed at the front panel 16.
The discharge hole 18 may be formed between the front panel 16 and the case 10. The inner case according to this embodiment may have a cylindrical shape, for example, and a circular open hole at a bottom thereof, and the front panel 16 may have a disc shape, for example, so the discharge hole 18 may have a ring shape.
Air in an interior space may be suctioned into the case 10a through the intake holes 16a at a center portion of the front panel 16 and exchange heat. The air that has exchanged heat may be discharged outside of the front panel 16 through the discharge hole 18.
Referring to
The front panel 16 may be mounted at a lower end of the case 10b and may be formed approximately in a circular shape, for example, when seen from below. Intake holes 16a may be formed at the front panel 16 and a discharge hole 18 may be disposed outside of the intake holes 16a.
Air in an interior space may be suctioned into the case 10b through the intake holes 16a at a center portion of the front panel 16 and exchange heat. The air that has exchanged heat may be discharged outside of the front panel 16 through the discharge hole 18.
A cover assembly 60 may be disposed outside of the front panel 16. For example, the cover assembly 60 may be disposed at four corners of the front panel 16. The cover assembly 60 disposed at four corners of the front panel 16 in this way may be referred to as a corner cover assembly.
The cover assembly 60 may be manufactured as an integrated type or a plurality of parts or components may be prepared and connected to each other. A dust sensor module 100 may be installed in a predetermined region ca2 of the cover assembly 60. The dust sensor module 100 may be installed in or at an inner surface of the region ca2. Further, openings (an intake portion and a discharge hole) for inflow/outflow of air with the dust sensor module 100 may be formed in the region ca2. The cover assembly 60 may be combined or coupled with the case 10.
The dust sensor module 100 may be mounted on a circumferential surface cover assembly 50 for the case 10a of the circular cassette exposure-type indoor unit 1a and can sense the state of indoor air.
According to a circular embedded-type indoor unit 1b, when the dust sensor module 100 is mounted on a circumferential surface of the case 10b, the case 10b is embedded in a ceiling structure, so it is not suitable for sensing indoor air.
Accordingly, according to the embedded-type indoor unit 10b, the dust sensor module 100 may be mounted on the cover assembly 60 a front surface of which is partially exposed, so it is possible to sense indoor air.
When a mounting position and coupling relationship with other parts or components of the dust sensor module 100 are changed, an airflow direction is changed, so when the dust sensor module 100 having the same main parts or components and interior channel is used for the exposed-type indoor unit 1a and the embedded-type indoor unit 1b, accuracy and efficiency in sensing may be deteriorated.
Embodiments disclosed herein propose a dust sensor module 100 and a mounting structure that may be used for indoor units 10 having different installation types and external appearances.
Hereinafter, a dust sensor module according to an embodiment is described with reference to
Referring to
The first sensor case 110 may include a first hole 114 and a first coupling portion 115. The second sensor case 120 may include a second hole 124 and a second coupling portion 125.
The dust sensor module 100 may be installed on the cover assemblies 50 and 60 coupled to the case 10 having the intake holes 16a and the discharge hole 18 formed on the bottom. The dust sensor module 100 may be fastened to the cover assemblies 50 and 60 by a fastener that passes through the first hole 114 or the second hole 124. The dust sensor module 100 may be fastened to the cover assemblies 50 and 60 by, for example, a screw. A fastening portion (for example, a boss, or a hole) corresponding to a fastener may be formed at the cover assemblies 50 and 60.
The first hole 114 is for fastening to the cover assembly 50 of the exposed-type indoor unit 1a, and the second hole 124 is for fastening to the cover assembly 60 of the embedded-type indoor unit 1b. Accordingly, when the dust sensor module 100 is fastened to the cover assembly 50 of the exposed-type indoor unit 1a, only the first hole 114 is used, and the second hole 124 is not used. Further, when the dust sensor module 100 is fastened to the cover assembly 60 of the embedded-type indoor unit 1b, only the second hole 124 is used, and the first hole 114 is not used.
Further, when the dust sensor module 100 is fastened to the cover assembly 50 by a fastener that passes through the first hole 114, the second coupling portion 125 is fastened to a coupling member of the cover assembly 50. For example, the cover assembly 50 may have a hook, and the second coupling portion 125 may include a hole, a groove, or a locking structure that is coupled to the hook. The first sensor case 110 and the second sensor case 120 are combined or coupled while facing each other, thereby forming two sides of the dust sensor module 100. Accordingly, when the dust sensor module 100 is fastened to the cover assembly 50 through the first hole 114 of the first sensor case 110, the second coupling portion 125 of the second sensor case 120 may also be fastened at an opposite side, so the dust sensor module 100 may be more stably fixed.
When the dust sensor module 100 is fastened to the cover assembly 60 by a fastener that passes through the second hole 124, the first coupling portion 115 is fastened to a coupling member of the cover assembly 60. For example, the cover assembly 60 may have a hook, and the first coupling portion 115 may include a hole, a groove, or a locking structure that is coupled to the hook. Accordingly, when the dust sensor module 100 is fastened to the cover assembly 60 by a fastener that passes through the second hole 124 of the second sensor case 120, the first coupling portion 115 of the first sensor case 110 may also be fastened at an opposite side, so the dust sensor module 100 may be more stably fixed.
According to embodiments disclosed herein, the dust sensor module 100 may be fastened to the circumferential-surface external appearance cover assembly 50 forming the external appearance of the exposed-type indoor unit 1a and may be fastened to the corner cover assembly 60 of the embedded-type indoor unit 1b. For example, the first hole 114 of the first sensor case 110 is used for the exposed-type indoor unit 1a, and the first coupling portion 115 is used for the embedded-type indoor unit 1b. Further, the second hole 124 of the second sensor case 120 is used for the embedded-type indoor unit 1b, and the second coupling portion 125 is used for the exposed-type indoor unit 1a. According to embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to use the same dust sensor module 100 for the exposed-type indoor unit 1a and the embedded-type indoor unit 1b which have different channel directions for sensing indoor air.
The first sensor case 110 may include a first sensor case body 111 and a first fixing portion 113 that protrudes from a surface of the first sensor case body 111. The first fixing portion 113 may protrude from a side of the first sensor case 110.
The first hole 114 may be disposed on a top of the first fixing portion 113 for easy fastening of a fastener. Further, the first coupling portion 115 may be disposed on a side of the first fixing portion 113.
The second sensor case 120 may include a second sensor case body 121 and a second fixing portion 123 that protrudes from a surface of the second sensor case body 121. The second fixing portion 123 may protrude from a side of the second sensor case 120.
The second hole 124 may be disposed on a top of the second fixing portion 123 for easy fastening of a fastener. Further, the second coupling portion 125 may be also disposed on the top of the second fixing portion 123.
The second fixing portion 123 may include a first section 123a and a second section 123b adjacent to the first section 123a and having a second height smaller than a first height of the first section 123a. In this configuration, the second hole 124 may be disposed on a top of the first section 123a, and the second coupling portion 125 may be disposed on a top of the second section 123b. A bottom of the first section 123a may be inclined or curved.
The dust sensor module 100 may be effectively installed on the indoor units 1a and 1b having different external appearances by such an asymmetric structure of the dust sensor module 100.
The first fixing portion 113 may protrude from a lower end of the first sensor case body 111. A plurality hook coupling portions 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, and 112e may be formed on an upper end and both sides of the first sensor case body 111.
Further, the second fixing portion 123 may protrude from a lower end of the second sensor case body 121. A plurality of hooks 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, and 122e may be formed on an upper end and both sides of the second sensor case body 121.
The plurality of hook coupling portions 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, and 112e of the first sensor case body 111 may be coupled to the plurality of hooks 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, and 122e of the second sensor case body 121. Accordingly, the first sensor case 110 and the second sensor case 120 may be firmly combined or coupled. Referring to
Referring to
Depending on embodiments, the indoor air intake portion 150 may include a plurality of indoor air intake portions 151 and 152. The plurality of indoor air intake portions 151 and 152 may be connected to different channels, respectively, and at least one channel may be different from the other channels at least in one of length, area, or shape, for example. Accordingly, it is possible to provide accuracy in sensing by increasing an intake flow rate or slowing a flow of air flowing to the dust sensor 130.
Referring to
Referring to
A seat 53 that supports the dust sensor module 100 may be formed on an inner surface 52 of the cover assembly 50. The seat 53 may protrude inward from the inner surface 52.
The seat 53 may be formed to correspond to a shape of the bottom of the dust sensor module 100, whereby it is possible to more stably support the dust sensor module 100. Further, an inlet/outlet 50a corresponding to the indoor air intake portion 150 and the indoor air discharge portion 160 of the dust sensor module 100 may be formed at the seat 53.
As it is the exposed-type indoor unit 1a, a screw may be fastened to the first hole 114 and a hook of the cover assembly 50 for fixing a position may be coupled to the second coupling portion 125. Further, as it is the exposed-type indoor unit 1a, the second hole 124 and the first coupling portion 115 are not used.
Referring to
In the embedded-type indoor unit 1b, the cover assembly 60 may be disposed outside of the front panel 16 such that a surface is exposed. The dust sensor module 100 may be installed on an inner surface 61 of the cover assembly 60.
An inlet (not shown) and an outlet (not shown) corresponding to the indoor air intake portion 150 and the indoor air discharge portion 160 of the dust sensor module 100 may be formed at the cover assembly 60. Indoor air may be vertically suctioned and discharged.
Coupling members 63 and 65 (for example, a hook and a boss) for coupling with the dust sensor module 100 may be disposed on the inner surface 61 of the cover assembly 60. For example, hook 63 and boss 65 for fastening as a screw may be formed on the inner surface 61 of the cover assembly 60.
As it is the embedded-type indoor unit 1b, a screw may be fastened to the second hole 124 and the boss 65, and the hook 63 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 115. Further, as it is the embedded-type indoor unit 1b, the first hole 114 and the second coupling portion 125 are not used.
According to embodiments, it is possible to use the same dust sensor module 100 for two products having different mounting positions and different intake/discharge (indoor air sensing) directions of a dust sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs, management costs, a number of parts or components to be managed, and a number of products.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner, the indoor unit being able to measure a density of dust with high reliability through a dust sensor.
Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a dust sensor module and a mounting structure that may be applied even though installation states of ceiling-type indoor units are different.
Embodiments disclosed herein further provide a dust sensor module and a mounting structure that may be applied even though external appearances of ceiling-type indoor units are different.
Advantages are not limited to those described above and other advantages not stated above may be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner that may include a case having an intake hole and a discharge hole at a lower portion; a dust sensor module including a dust sensor configured to sense density of dust in an interior space and a sensor case configured to accommodate the dust sensor therein; and a cover assembly on which the dust sensor module is installed and that is coupled to the case. The sensor case may include a first sensor case including a first hole and a first coupling portion, and a second sensor case including a second hole and a second coupling portion. The dust sensor module may be fastened to the cover assembly by a fastener that passes through the first hole or the second hole.
When the dust sensor module is fastened to the cover assembly by a fastener that passes through the first hole, the second coupling portion may be coupled to a coupling member of the cover assembly. When the dust sensor module is fastened to the cover assembly by a fastener that passes through the second hole, the first coupling portion may be coupled to the coupling member of the cover assembly.
The case may include a bottom surface on which the intake hole is formed and a circumferential surface that extends from the bottom surface and exposed to an interior space. The cover assembly may be coupled to the circumferential surface. The dust sensor module may be installed on an inner surface of the cover assembly.
The case may include a circular front panel on which the intake hole is formed. The case may include a front panel on which the intake hole is formed, and the cover assembly may be disposed outside of the front panel such that a surface is exposed. The dust sensor module may be installed on an inner surface of the cover assembly.
The first sensor case may include a body and a first fixing portion that protrudes from a surface of the body. The first hole may be disposed on a top of the first fixing portion. The first coupling portion may be disposed on a side of the first fixing portion.
The first fixing portion may protrude from a lower end of the body. A plurality of hook coupling portions coupled to the second sensor case may be formed on an upper end and both sides of the body.
The second sensor case may include a body and a second fixing portion protruding from a surface of the body, The second hole and the second coupling portion may be disposed on a top of the second fixing portion. The second fixing portion may include a first section and a second section adjacent to the first section and having a second height smaller than a height of the first section.
The second hole may be disposed on a top of the first section. The second coupling portion may be disposed on a top of the second section. A bottom of the first section may be inclined or curved.
The second fixing portion may protrude from a lower end of the body. A plurality of hooks coupled to the first sensor case may be formed on an upper end and both sides of the body.
An indoor air intake portion and an indoor air discharge portion may be formed on a surface of the dust sensor module. The indoor air intake portion may include a plurality of indoor air intake portions.
The first hole and the first coupling portion may be disposed at a first side of the indoor air intake portion and the indoor air discharge portion. The second hole and the second coupling portion may be disposed at a second side of the indoor air intake portion and the indoor air discharge portion.
According to at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a dust sensor may measure a density of dust with high reliability.
According to at least one embodiment disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a dust sensor module and a mounting structure that may be applied even though installation states of ceiling-type indoor units are different.
According to at least one embodiment disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a dust sensor module and a mounting structure that may be applied even though external appearances of ceiling-type indoor units are different.
Various other advantages are directly or suggestively disclosed in the description of embodiments described herein.
Although embodiments were described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments and may be achieved in various ways. Further, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be achieved in other ways without changing the spirit and necessary characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments described above are only examples and should not be construed as being limiting in all respects.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0100843 | Aug 2023 | KR | national |
